New West Ham boss Graham Potter insists he’s a “higher” and a “wiser” coach after a 20-month break since being sacked by Chelsea.
Potter was confirmed as Julen Lopetegui’s successor at West Ham on Thursday, sealing his return to administration since leaving the Blues in April 2023.
The Englishman lasted lower than eight months throughout a chaotic reign at Stramford Bridge which noticed him win solely seven of his 22 Premier League video games.
However regardless of his beforehand burgeoning repuation from his time at Brighton taking a success, Potter believes his time in West London has improved him as a coach.
Talking to the media for the primary time, Potter stated: “I’m a greater particular person and coach for the expertise, and nicely rested. I had 12 years of being a supervisor, the break has finished me good, and given me an opportunity to relaxation and replicate.
“Now I’m right here and delighted.
“We haven’t bought that preparation time, that’s the truth, however I’m a bit wiser. There is a perfect time I assume however generally when the chance comes up you’ve bought to take it. We’ve bought an important week forward.”
Requested whether or not he now feels the necessity to show himself once more, Potter added: “After I hear [Pep] Guardiola say he’s bought one thing to show then all of us have! It’s the truth {of professional} sport.
“I’m comfy in my very own pores and skin, who I’m and what I’ve finished. However no person is ideal. Life is about accepting setbacks and errors and transferring ahead. I believe I’m a greater coach for the expertise, I really feel nicely rested.”
“The minute I spoke to this membership, it simply felt proper for me”
Graham Potter solutions questions for the primary time since turning into the brand new West Ham boss ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/VVWAYwwSrb
— Sky Sports activities Information (@SkySportsNews) January 9, 2025
Potter: ‘Vital I waited for the correct function’
Potter, who has additionally impressed answerable for Swansea and Ostersunds in addition to with the Seagulls, has been recurrently linked with managerial roles throughout his 20-month spell out of administration.
The 49-year-old was named as a contender to succeed Gareth Southgate as England boss earlier than Thomas Tuchel, who Potter changed at Chelsea, was appointed.
Potter stated: “It’s been 20 months, a superb break. I’ve had conversations with completely different administrators, house owners, however it suppose it was vital I selected the correct choice on the proper time.
“After I spoke to this membership it felt proper. I believe it’s a superb match.”
On why West Ham was the correct membership, he stated: “Once you’ve had numerous time to suppose there’s a sense in you, a mixture of numerous components.
“The board’s ambition, their belief and perception in me, wanting on the taking part in squad, the academy, the work that Mark Noble does behind the scenes there. The supporters are passionate, educated, loyal.
“Once you add all of it up it’s a large membership, It’s a household membership and that appeals to me too, that sense of combating collectively.”
Potter: ‘I really feel fortunate to be at West Ham’
After selecting the London Stadium as his subsequent vacation spot, Potter reiterated how privileged he felt to be given the chance with the Premier League membership.
He added: “I take into account myself fortunate to be right here, grateful to be right here. I apologise that my title has been linked [with lots of clubs], everyone is sick of it.
“I’m right here now, very blissful and proud and privileged to be on this place. I hope I can do a superb job and the supporters are optimistic in direction of me. Up to now the help has been nice, the phrases of encouragement have been touching.”
Potter confirms backroom workers
Graham Potter confirmed he might be joined by former Brighton skipper Bruno Saltor (assistant coach), Billy Reid (first staff coach) and Narcis Pelach (first staff coach) at West Ham.
“That’s the core group,” Potter stated on his administration staff. “I’m wanting ahead to working with the workers right here on the membership.”
Potter’s first recreation in cost might be away at Aston Villa within the FA Cup third spherical on Friday night time earlier than internet hosting Fulham the next Tuesday.
